[POLL] Map grid sizes
Added 2024-12-12 16:10:25 +0000 UTCI'm always looking to improve my map-making service, and I’d love to hear your preferences! For a long time, I designed maps in a 24x48 grid size (Ratio 1:2). Recently, I’ve switched to 24x36 (Ratio 2:3). In the past, I made square maps or maps with a ratio 4:3.
Which format do you prefer?
If you suggest a format, please let me know if you prefer the ones I use or something different. For example, you might prefer a 2:3 ratio but not 24x36
Comments
I just wish some of the top map creators would make landscape format maps since it's what naively fits a computer screen the best 🥲
sklogw
2025-05-07 18:40:26 +0000 UTCTo me what matters more is that the proportions fit the scenario and support interesting encounters. The specific dimensions are less important. In other words, make them the size they need to be for the idea you are creating.
Gerald Aungst
2024-12-16 11:28:20 +0000 UTCI prefer 24” x 42”, but that’s just the size of the screen I use. Otherwise, I prefer 24 x 48.
Brent Greenhalgh
2024-12-15 18:50:37 +0000 UTCI created many 1:2 maps precisely because it was like having two connected square maps, where in one half you could play the first part of a encounter, in the other half the second part. But then I changed because for some they were uncomfortable. However, I think it is the most "smart" format, it allows you to develop an encounter better
Tehox
2024-12-13 07:39:23 +0000 UTCI actually use 1:2 maps a lot. Good way to give a combat some movement and momentum.
James Glass
2024-12-13 00:08:24 +0000 UTCI'm very much a theme first kinda guy. I have an idea in mind, I find a map that fits the general idea or theme, and then I adapt things further to fit the map. I can also just cut a larger map down if necessary
Jasper van Nieuwenhuijzen
2024-12-12 21:42:19 +0000 UTCThis is also good feedback, thanks. I'm used to thinking about the map to be inserted in a certain grid, but I could also try the opposite, think about the idea and adapt the proportions
Tehox
2024-12-12 19:02:53 +0000 UTCRight, shadows can force how understanding of the map
Tehox
2024-12-12 19:01:22 +0000 UTCI’m happy with any size. Is it best if the design concept isn’t constrained by a given size? Some ideas feel like they’d suit a long thin map, some might work better with a square map, and so on. I’d like to think you do what works best for you
James Treadwell
2024-12-12 18:33:32 +0000 UTCSometimes shadows look strange or perspective just looks slightly off, but never unusable
Kuudos
2024-12-12 17:44:03 +0000 UTCthanks for the feedback. And are my maps complicated to use in landscape format? I always draw them in portrait format but assuming that it is not a problem to rotate them
Tehox
2024-12-12 16:44:00 +0000 UTCI have an old commercial photo printer and I physically print out maps for adventures. Aspect isn’t a huge deal to me, I can fairly easily crop and shift things as needed. I generally keep 24” and 42” rolls of paper on hand for maps tho, so whenever something already fits nicely into those dimensions I’m happy.
Kyle
2024-12-12 16:38:00 +0000 UTCMy players tend to prefer landscape vs portrait and adventure left to right, they always seem to look for their tokens on the left side first and never scroll right for bigger maps.
Kuudos
2024-12-12 16:26:56 +0000 UTC
